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(11)

EP 1 087 870 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 04.04.2001 Bulletin 2001/14 (21) Application number: 99909741.3 (22) Date of filing: 02.03.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B32B 27/36, B32B 27/08, C08L 67/02 (86) International application number: PCT/US9904/542 (87) International publication number: WO 9948/685 (30.09.1999 Gazette 1999/39)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT NL (30) Priority: 24.03.1998 US 46878 (71) Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Schenectady, NY 12345 (US)

(72) Inventors: MACGREGOR, Amy, Kathleen Gansevoort, NY 12831 (US) HOEFFLIN, Frank, A. Evansville, IN 47712 (US) AYERS, Cecil, Edward Mount Vernon, IN 47620 (US) LEGRAND, Donald, George Burnt Hills, NY 12027 (US) GILLETTE, Gregory, Ronald Clifton Park, NY 12065 (US) PICKETT, James, Edward Schenectady, NY 12304 (US) SEEGER, George, Thomas Scotia, NY 12302 (US) LILLY, Kenneth Evansville, IN 47712 (US) (74) Representative: Szary, Anne Catherine, Dr.  GE London Patent Operation,Essex House,12-13 Essex Street London WC2R 3AA London WC2R 3AA (GB)